The first World Rally Championship win for Kiwi pairing of Hayden Paddon and John Kennard is no surprise to rally fans back home. Ever since they entered the top echelon of rallying, it was only a matter of time before they stepped onto the podium and then onto the winner’s rostrum.
Such is the talent of Paddon (and Kennard) that his first win was expected. Never a matter of if but a matter of when.
Argentina is not the first time Paddon and Kennard have led a WRC event having led the 2015 Rally Italy Sardinia for 15 stages before a spin dropped them to second and their first-ever podium in a WRC event. This has been followed by another second place at this year’s Rally of Sweden.
Paddon appears the most surprised of all of us. After taking the lead near the end of Day Two he exclaimed, “Really? Wow. That changes things.”
Like other Kiwi drivers, once the first win is ‘under the belt’ more will naturally follow, now without the pressure leading up to their maiden victory.
Paddon will more than likely go on to win the drivers title in the future. This is not an expectation by fans and supporters or even a certainty. It’s like it is his destiny.
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